China's Shanghai International Circuit is renowned for its tyre-eating asphalt rather than for its signature back straight, the longest of all F1 tracks on the calendar.
However, while the Hermann Tilke-designed layout isn't classified as a power circuit, because of its 1.4-kilometer stretch, maximum engine output is a big asset, and one that Ferrari was hoping to take advantage of.
Speed trap readings in qualifying confirmed the velocity of the Scuderia's SF90 in a straight line, with Sebastian Vettel and Charles comfortably leading the field in terms of maximum speed.
Yet the red cars were surpassed in the Saturday afternoon shootout over a full lap by Mercedes' W10, with Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton more than making up in the corners what they were losing to Ferrari's chargers in a straight line.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Max Verstappen will launch his long-awaited Nürburgring 24 Hours debut from the second row of…
Cadillac F1’s arrival on the grid in 2026 has been anything but quiet, and according…
Alpine has strengthened its growing 2026 Formula 1 project by officially welcoming former FIA head…
The 65th running of the Indy 500 held back in 1981 saw an interesting and…
Ralf Schumacher has opened up about the emotional strain he experienced during his F1 career,…
For most Formula 1 drivers, the biggest threat during a Grand Prix weekend comes on…